The Latest from Michelson IP

Delve into the Micky Mouse Protection Act and discover which versions of iconic Disney characters, including Mickey and Tigger, entered the public domain in 2024. Learn some nuances of using these characters and get a sneak peak into 2026’s and 2030’s releases.

The holiday season, with its global and diverse celebrations, is a time when the significance of intellectual property becomes particularly evident. Understanding and respecting IP rights not only fosters a fair and ethical environment, but it also encourages further creativity and sharing in the spirit of the season.

Need some good reading material? Here's a quick recap of the top IP news stories and hot topics in IP we loved diving into the past month! "Nearly any brand element can qualify for trademark protection, as long as the trademark is protecting something that uniquely...

The past year in the Michelson Institute for Intellectual Property was defined by strategic advancements, significant partnerships, and impactful initiatives, all aligning with our core mission to ensure that intellectual property education reaches all communities—no matter where they are.

Companies change advertising strategies frequently, and often need to trademark new slogans or designs; however, Coca-Cola seems to have found IP longevity. Its Christmas-related goods have generated warmth for decades and will continue to do so.

Need some good reading material? Here's a quick recap of the top IP news stories and hot topics in IP we loved diving into the past month! "A new exhibition at the Chazen Museum of Art in Wisconsin will showcase how a Medieval goldsmith working at the advent of...

Left and right, it seems that legendary artists and their estates have had signs up stating “Music Catalog for Sale”. But what exactly gets sold when the catalog gets new ownership? And why are artists entertaining these deals now? 

IP offers a rich landscape of career opportunities for many aspiring professionals. While lawyers are essential in this dynamic field, the opportunities presented by the myriad variety of intellectual property jobs are as diverse as the creations they protect.

Need some good reading material? Here's a quick recap of the top IP news stories and hot topics in IP we loved diving into the past month! "Tech companies maintain that their datasets are protected by the fair use doctrine, which allows for the repurposing of...

Original photo: George Walker IV (Associated Press) Contributing Editor: Rachelle Mulumba, The Michelson Institute for Intellectual Property Music star Taylor Swift has had quite a year. Fans flocked to her Eras tour, traveling far and wide to share friendship...

Need some good reading material? Here's a quick recap of the top IP news stories and hot topics in IP we loved diving into the past month! "Research into vaccines, crop seeds and other innovations for low- or middle-income nations could be rewarded by offering longer...

Need some good reading material? Here's a quick recap of the top IP news stories and hot topics in IP we loved diving into the past month! "USPTO believes adding advanced AI technologies “offers unique opportunities to leapfrog forward to further enhance patent search...

A Day without IP Laws? We asked ChatGPT to help us out with this question and here's what they came up with: If the United States didn't have intellectual property laws, it would have significant implications on various aspects of society, innovation, and the economy....

By Rachelle Mulumba It seems the fight to “free” the Taco Tuesday trademark has officially come to an end with Taco John’s, the fast food chain and original rights holders, vowing to abandon the mark last week. This comes following a coordinated marketing campaign...

Need some good reading material? Here's a quick recap of the top IP news stories and hot topics in IP we loved diving into the past month! "The ruling comes after Touchstream filed a complaint in June 2021 claiming that it met with Google in December 2011 and was told...

Need some good reading material? Here's a quick recap of the top IP news stories and hot topics in IP we loved diving into the past month! "Overstock.com Buys Bed Bath & Beyond Intellectual Property for $21.5 Million." - Overstock.com Buys Bed Bath & Beyond...

By Rachelle Mulumba Quotes in the article have been lightly edited and paraphrased for clarity. “I remember during my first semester teaching, a student came up to me and he had designed this beautiful logo. He asked me, ‘Can you show me the ropes? How do I protect...

Famous trade secrets are a hallmark of intellectual property law being put into practice. Think: Coca-Cola and WD-40. What do these well-known products have in common?  They use trade secrets as a means of protecting their intellectual property.  Coca-Cola protects...